The available evidence does not establish that mewing reshapes the jaw or face. British and American orthodontic organizations have warned about these claims. Tongue function therapy has a different purpose and starts with a professional assessment.
What online videos mean by “mewing”
The term usually describes holding the tongue against the roof of the mouth in the hope of changing the appearance of the lower face. Online content sometimes adds deliberate pressure, tooth clenching, or chewing exercises. This collection of techniques is not a validated clinical protocol.
Before accepting a claim, separate what is shown from what is measured. A pose adopted for a photograph can change how someone looks at that moment. It does not demonstrate a change in bone structure or an orthodontic correction.
What professional organizations say
The British Orthodontic Society states that there is no scientific evidence to support claims that these practices change facial shape. The American Association of Orthodontists raises the same concern about jaw reshaping and warns about the possible consequences of forceful practice.
MyoForce’s research file contains no clinical trial establishing a cosmetic outcome from mewing. A lack of evidence does not provide a timeline to promise: “not demonstrated” cannot become “keep doing it for several months to see results.”
Why before-and-after photos are not enough
A comparison can be influenced by camera angle, lighting, head position, facial expression, and cropping. It may also leave out other changes or treatments. Without a protocol, comparison group, and appropriate measurements, a change cannot be attributed to mewing.
When reviewing a post, look for dates, the person’s age, photography conditions, other interventions, and how the outcome was measured. If that information is missing, treat the images as an individual account or illustration, rather than evidence of a reproducible result.
Does tongue posture still matter?
Resting tongue position contributes to the balance of forces affecting tooth position, as Proffit discusses in his theoretical paper. Influencing that balance, however, is not the same as sculpting an adult’s face.
For functional difficulties, the evidence on orofacial myofunctional therapy remains limited and depends on the condition being addressed. A systematic review highlights the lack of strong studies of its use alongside orthodontic treatment. This supports setting a specific functional goal with a professional, without adding a cosmetic promise.
If your concern involves swallowing, breathing, or discomfort, start by describing that difficulty. “I would like this function assessed” is a different request from “I want to move my jaw forward by pushing with my tongue.”
What to do about appearance concerns or discomfort
If your concern is cosmetic, a consultation can help clarify what bothers you and what options may be appropriate. If you develop pain, locking, a change in how your teeth meet, or persistent discomfort, stop forceful attempts and seek dental advice. Do not try to compensate by applying more pressure.
Chewing exercises are a separate topic. Our guide to jaw exercises: evidence and limitations reviews findings on strength and appearance.
The Myoforce tongue training appliance is presented for tongue function therapy. It is not sold as a device that can deliver a cosmetic mewing result. A product page does not replace a functional assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to see results?
No reliable timeline for cosmetic results can be given because the cited evidence does not establish those results.
Should I press harder with my tongue?
Increasing the pressure does not make the claim better supported. Do not try to move your teeth or jaw yourself.
Is mewing an alternative to braces or surgery?
The cited sources do not support presenting it as an alternative to prescribed treatment.
Sources and review
Guide revised on October 1, 2026, by Dr Vladimir Khourda. The references below concern the subjects studied; they do not demonstrate outcomes for a MyoForce product.